This morning, for the first time, the central first-semester welcome took place entirely in person and numerous new students took the opportunity to attend. According to preliminary figures, a total of around 840 new students will start their studies in Ludwigshafen in the winter semester 2022/2023 - including around 670 bachelor's and 170 master's students. Regular lectures will begin on September 26.
For the first time in four semesters, the start of the winter semester 2022/2023 took place today in full attendance. In the auditorium of the university, President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller, Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck and Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß welcomed the (according to preliminary figures) approximately 670 new Bachelor students on behalf of the university. Ludwighafen's mayor Jutta Steinruck and lecturer Prof. Dr. Birgit Angermayer conveyed their greetings and wishes for the start of the semester via a video message. Marco Michel from the General Student Committee (AStA) introduced the university to the new students and then outlined the fields of activity and the services offered by the AStA and the student parliament StuPa. The Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz and the university chaplaincy also presented their counseling and support program.
"Be open, open up new worlds, get involved," university president Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller advised the new students, emphasizing the family atmosphere, the high level of practical relevance and the excellent location of the university in the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. "We are already well positioned, but from next year it will be even better," Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß then gave an outlook on the new building at the campus in Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim, which should be ready for occupancy from early summer 2023 and, in addition to a large cafeteria, a completely redesigned library and offices, will also feature numerous teaching and group study rooms for students. Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck then whetted students' appetites for international exchange and diversity, presenting not only the opportunities for foreign exchange but also the Buddy Program and the European university network "European Innovation Alliance". At the same time, she invited the freshmen to the "International Day" on 27.10.2022 on the topic of "Successful Immigration and Integration" and to the "Mental Health-Week" starting on 20.10.2022.
Following the central welcome, the freshmen were able to talk to each other over drinks and snacks in the foyer or clarify any unanswered questions at the information booths: Representatives of the four departments as well as the Student Service Center, the International Office and the Bafög Office were available to answer questions. The AStA and Stupa, the Department of Studies & Teaching, the Coordination Office for Equal Opportunities, the Student Union and the university chaplaincy were also available to answer any questions. And of course, the coveted "Ersti-Bags" with the city's cultural voucher booklet were once again available to all newcomers. At the end of the central freshman welcome, guided tours of the campus were on the agenda.
The rest of the week will also be dedicated to the start of studies: Under the title "Freshers' Week" there will be many other events at the degree program or department level for the new students. On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., the traditional welcome service will take place in the auditorium. In the evening, the AStA invites you to the Ersti-get-together in the Mensa from 5 p.m., followed by the legendary freshman party at Club Chaplin on September 21, 2022, from 10 p.m. on.
